What are your travel plans for 2026, and how are you using points and miles to make them happen? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess share their exciting plans for the upcoming year. From safaris in Tanzania to river cruises in France, they break down how they’re using credit card rewards to book these dream trips and maximize their points. The Squad dives into their […]

What were the highlights this year for award travel for the Points Talk Squad? In this episode, Alex, Pam, and Jess take you through their year of points and miles. From opening new cards to traveling to incredible destinations, they share how they maximized their credit card rewards in 2025 to make their travel dreams […]

Flying to Japan can cost a lot of points, especially if you want to travel in a premium cabin for such a long journey. So you’ll probably want to save points on your lodging once you get there. Luckily, you can find great hotel deals with your points (or free-night certificates if you have them). […]

Have you ever wondered whether it is easier to travel with toddlers or teens when you are using points and miles to explore the world as a family? In this episode, Alex and Jess are joined by Traci as they share what they have learned from years of traveling with kids at every age. They […]

If the thrill of a water slide or the delight of a splash pad is on your kids’ vacation wish list, there are many points-bookable hotels that have their own water parks. From Cancun to California, there’s a points property that will help your water babies burn off their energy during your next trip.   If […]

 Is Marriott Bonvoy® the secret to luxury hotel stays, or just another confusing points program? In this episode, Alex and Pam break down how to earn, redeem, and maximize Marriott Bonvoy® points. They simplify the complex credit card options and eligibility rules, covering strategies for earning points, using free-night certificates, and enjoying luxury hotel […]

We are so happy to share our two courses with you—Points Talk Academy® and Points Talk Academy Next Level®. When we started our points and miles journey years ago, we spent so much time, energy, and frustration trying to figure out the complicated world of points and miles. I would have LOVED a course to […]

When we talk about the best hotels to book with points, we’re looking for more than just a free night’s stay. The real sweet spots are properties that offer oversized value, such as spacious rooms or suites that would normally cost a fortune, paired with standout amenities like pools, spas, on-site dining, and prime locations. […]

Let’s be honest, planning travel for a family of five (or more) can feel like organizing a Broadway production on a budget. You have different sleep schedules, conflicting snack preferences, and an uncanny ability for someone to need the bathroom exactly when boarding starts. Here at Points Talk Squad, we have spent years figuring out […]

Do you ever feel frustrated trying to keep track of all your credit card benefits? On paper, the perks can easily outweigh the annual fees—airline credits, dining rebates, streaming discounts, and more. But in reality, it often feels like a chore. You’re juggling monthly deadlines, remembering to activate offers, and working around restrictive terms to […]

Have you ever wondered if it’s actually possible to visit Switzerland without spending a fortune? From business-class flights booked on points to scenic train rides through the Alps, Jess shares how she planned a stunning mother-daughter trip that balanced comfort, adventure, and strategy in one unforgettable experience. In this episode, she breaks down how she […]

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to experience Morocco—including the medinas, the desert, and the Blue City—all in one trip? From camel rides in the Sahara to wandering the alleyways of Fez, this trip was all about embracing adventure, culture, and connection in one unforgettable journey. In this episode, Alex and Pam share […]

Are premium credit cards really worth their steep annual fees? In this follow-up to last week’s episode, The Points Talk Squad digs into the true value behind four of the most popular premium cards: the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Citi Strata Elite℠. They look beyond the price […]

Which premium credit card is really worth it for your travel style and spending habits? In this episode, the Points Talk Squad put four of the top-tier cards head-to-head. They break down the American Express Platinum Card®, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and the brand-new Citi Strata Elite℠, exploring the earning potential, perks, […]

I just returned from an Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. I paid for the cruise outright and used points and miles to offset some of our other trip costs. Sure, it is possible to pay for a cruise. Some credit card issuers, like Chase, American Express, and Citi, allow you to book cruises through […]

My family might be addicted to streaming services. Seriously, I think we have them all! So when credit card benefits include credits for streaming services, I know those are benefits I’ll be able to take advantage of! Here are six streaming services covered by my credit cards (that I would 100% pay for regardless).   […]

Short getaways don’t have to be stressful or require a full week off. In this episode, the Points Talk Squad explores the world of micro-trips: perfectly sized escapes that deliver maximum value and relaxation. Alex, Jess, and Pam share their experiences planning and enjoying these quick getaways, from domestic city breaks to international trips, and […]

The world of points and miles can feel overwhelming when everyone has an opinion on the “right” way to do things. In this episode, the Points Talk Squad break down common award travel advice and show why it doesn’t always apply to every traveler. From what counts as smart redemptions to how to prioritize your […]

Today’s review concerns my favorite American Express credit card, the card_name which I plan to keep in my wallet. Despite an annual fee of annual_fees, I get more value from it than I pay. Skeptical? Stay tuned as I tell you why I love it so much…. For rates and fees of the American Express […]

Planning family travel is no small feat. Between picking kid-friendly destinations, sticking to a budget, and trying to maximize your hotel points, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why Gondola looks promising. It is a new hotel-booking tool that helps moms (and families) travel smarter, save money, and even earn free nights. In this guide, I’ll […]

Let’s face it—many of the best reward credit cards come with an annual fee.  While many cards hover around a manageable $95 annual fee, there’s a whole other class of “high-roller” cards with fees ranging up to $895 a year. So, the real question is: are they worth it? My answer: a resounding YES—especially in […]